An Empire Period Console Dessert or Hall Table

An early nineteenth century walnut console dessert the upper section having a single drawer with central lock escutcheon beneath a black fossil marble top, all supported upon turned column front legs with finely cast and chased brass capitals and socles and set upon a flame veneered plinth.

The console dessert is one of the best known forms in French furniture. It became particularly fashionable in the reign of Louis XVI and is typified by its two shelf construction, the upper tier typically having a marble top and supported by columnar legs. Typically made from walnut or mahogany, the best examples were adorned with finely chased brass mounts. A long central drawer to the upper frieze is typical in most designs.

This example dates from the early nineteenth century, the Empire Period in French furniture design. The pure Classical simplicity typifies the Napoleonic era in all aspects of architectural design and the boldness of the front supports relates entirely to the columns of an antique Roman portico. The brass mounts are of the finest quality and the walnut veneers are of rich colour and beautifully flamed. The black fossil top appears to be original to the piece.